The Lovereading4Kids comment

Winner of the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2010.

Harry and his dog Hopper have done everything together ever since Hopper was a jumpy little puppy. But one day the unthinkable happens and Hopper will never be there again. But Harry is not ready to let him go just yet.

CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal SHORTLIST 2010: Judges’ comments

This book really stands out with its excellent use of muted colour, perspective, and exterior and interior space. The result is a powerful take on the father-son relationship, and a much-loved pet’s death; an issue that is very well handled, with Harry’s emotions and memories of Hopper expressed visually to great effect.

On winning the prestigious Greenaway Medal in 2010 our very own Julia Eccleshare interviewed Freya Blackwood, for Books For Keeps. To download and read the article click here.

Synopsis

Harry and Hopper by Margaret Wild

About the Author

Margaret Wild is one of Australia's most prolific and courageous authors, unafraid to tackle difficult subjects, such as death, old age and social deprivation with both sensitivity and openness. Her heart-warming, moving picture books have been acclaimed both in Australia and overseas.

In 1996, The Midnight Gang, a whimsical, joyous picture book about the night prowlings of a group of toddlers, was published by Omnibus Books. It was short-listed for the 1997 Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award.